My 3-year-old son has had a fever and a runny nose for the past five days. He also seems to be more irritable than usual and has been pulling at his ears. We haven't done any tests yet, but I'm worried it might be an ear infection. What should we do?
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3-year-old boy with a fever and runny nose for five days, increased irritability, and pulling at his ears. No tests have been done yet.
Acute Otitis Media (70%) - Acute otitis media is a common ear infection in children that can cause fever, irritability, and ear pain.
Common Cold (30%) - This is a viral infection that can cause fever, runny nose, and irritability, but ear pulling is less common.
Based on the symptoms described, it is most likely that your son has Acute Otitis Media, which is an ear infection. This condition is common in young children and can cause fever, irritability, and ear pain, which may explain why he is pulling at his ears. The less likely possibility is that he has a common cold, which can also cause fever and a runny nose, but ear pulling is less typical. Acute Otitis Media is usually caused by bacteria or viruses that lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. It is important to see a pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and determine if antibiotics are needed. If left untreated, it can lead to complications, but it is generally treatable with medication. Next, you should take your son to see a pediatrician for an examination. The doctor may look into his ears with an otoscope to check for signs of infection. If an ear infection is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend other treatments to relieve symptoms. In the meantime, you can give him over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen to help with the fever and discomfort.
This document is not intended as medical advice or a replacement for professional medical consultation. It provides general guidance for initial diagnosis and suggests questions to discuss with a healthcare provider. Always seek personalized medical advice from a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Contact us at hi@doctola.com